Recruiting Report: Malachi Corley (2020)

One of the best two sport athletes in the state resides in Campbellsville. Sophomore point guard Malachi Corley is also a standout on the football field who is getting interest from an ACC school for his abilities on the gridiron. Malachi averaged nearly 12 points and 3 rebounds for an Eagles squad that got back to the regional tournament for the first time in a decade. I chatted with Malachi recently to discuss his sophomore season, his basketball future and if he sees his future on turf or on hardwood.

PHKY: Describe your game for people who may never have seen you play. What are your strengths? What do you need to improve?

MC: My games more of a finesse/aggressive play style. I love to attack and get to the cup while still looking for teammates on kick-outs and cuts. My strengths are finishing at the rim on offense along with being quick on defense. I need to improve on creating in the mid-range area.

PHKY: Reflect on your high school season. Were you happy with your individual performance? Were you happy with your team results?

MC: I was pleased with our team results but not satisfied. We made it to the semifinals in region for the first time in a while but fell short. My individual season was decent. I scored and got my team involved but I could’ve done more. I’m gunning for more this upcoming season.

PHKY: What schools are recruiting you? Any offers? If you have offers, do you have a leader right now?

MC: No big time offers just interest from local schools in basketball. Duke has been recruiting me in football.

PHKY: What are your goals for your next high school season?

MC: My goals for next season are to be a top 10 scorer in state along with a top 10 assists leader. I’m also going to try to lead my team to a regional championship while trying to pick up some solid scholarship offers.

PHKY: You’re a two sport star. What can you take from basketball and apply to football? What about football can improve your basketball skills?

MC: Basketball puts me and keeps me in good shape, while getting my footwork and explosiveness together for football. Football gives me that aggressiveness and quickness and I translate that to the court.

PHKY: What’s your preference for college? Football or basketball? Why?

MC: Honestly, I don’t have a preference right now for college football or basketball. I’ve always said it depends on who offers what in either sport. Depending on if it’s football or basketball I will go where I am wanted.

Malachi is strong, aggressive guard who is at his best in the open floor and attacking the rim. With his strong frame, Corley is able to take contact and still finish at the rim. If Malachi can become a better perimeter shooter, his ceiling will raise substantially. If his development continues, Corley should end his career with well over 1,000 career points and several hundred assists. Malachi certainly projects as an all region performer on the hardwood and is going to have opportunities to play both college basketball and football.